United clawed back from an early 2 goal deficit to gain a valuable 3 points at Hull City in today’s early Boxing Day fixture, in a game which saw Antonio Valencia sent off late on. Overall it was an important win for United, who now sit seventh place in the league table.
Some comedy defending early on in the match gifted Hull a 2 goal lead through former United youngster James Chester, then David Meyler made it 2-0 after just 13 minutes.
United pulled one back 6 minutes later from a Chris Smalling header and after 26 minutes, we were back on level terms following Wayne Rooney’s sublime volley.
The comeback was complete midway through the second half as James Chester headed past his substitute keeper. Hull pressured United late on but the boys managed to hang on for the 3 points.
Player Ratings
David de Gea: Could do little about the Hull goals. Made a bad error of judgement when he came chasing the ball but got away with it. Kept United ahead late on with some crucial saves. 7/10
Rafael: Worked hard down the right until he was replaced by Januzaj after picking up what looked like a groin strain. 6/10
Chris Smalling: Scored with a towering header to get United back in the game but was part of a back 4 who had some comical moments at times. 6/10
Jonny Evans: Made some good driving runs and was good on the ball but like Smalling, was part of the defence that were all over the place at times. 6/10
Patrice Evra: Not his best game, got out jumped in the build up for the Hull opener, took a knock too but battled on. 6/10
Antonio Valencia: Started on the wing but was moved to right back following Rafael’s injury. Sent off for 2 yellow cards, the second for petulantly kicking the ball away. Would have missed the next game anyway. Had played ok until that point. 6/10
Darren Fletcher: First start in almost 13 months but did well, was composed on the ball and it was more vital minutes for the Scotland international. 6/10
Tom Cleverley: Not up to the standard of the last couple of games, but a decent performance. Had a shot saved by McGregor in the first half. 6/10
Ashley Young: Another good game, although still predictable when on the wing that he cuts inside. Got an assist when James Chester scored an Own Goal with a cross from the right. 7/10
Wayne Rooney: Made the first, scored the second with a fine volley, and was involved in the buildup for the third. Got a booking but was a great performance. Man of the Match. 8/10
Danny Welbeck: Showed some good touches and played well once again up front today. 7/10
Substitutes
Adnan Januzaj: Came on following Rafael’s injury, and made an immediate impact, winning a free kick in which we scored from. Some good touches today and could have scored but his shot was blocked. Booked 7/10
Javier Hernandez:
Brought on with the game level and did reasonably well. Held the ball up but never really had a sniff of the goal. 6/10
Michael Carrick: Back after an injury layoff but didn’t do a lot 5/10
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